Quick Read
- Lando Norris took Sprint Pole for McLaren, while teammate Oscar Piastri qualified third.
- Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli impressed with P2, beating George Russell in SQ3.
- Red Bull struggled, with Verstappen citing car issues and Tsunoda crashing early.
- Weather forecasts predict rain and gusty winds, complicating tyre and race strategy.
- Midfield teams like Aston Martin and Racing Bulls showed strong performances, while Ferrari and Haas face challenges.
McLaren Sets the Pace as Sprint Weekend Ignites Title Tensions
At the iconic Interlagos circuit, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix’s Sprint Qualifying marked a critical moment in the 2025 Formula 1 season. With just four rounds left, the pressure was palpable as teams jostled not only for points, but for psychological advantage heading into Sunday’s main event. Sky Sports noted the mounting tension as Lando Norris, the current championship leader, set out to defend his slender lead.
From the opening laps of Friday’s practice, McLaren made it clear they were the team to beat. Both Norris and Oscar Piastri showed blistering speed—almost in a league of their own. Norris ultimately clinched Sprint Pole with a stunning 1:09.243, while Piastri followed closely but couldn’t quite match the pace on the crucial soft compound. Team Principal Andrea Stella was optimistic but cautious, noting, “There is a threat from Mercedes and Red Bull, and the weather tomorrow is anyone’s guess.”
Norris himself was measured: “A good start to the weekend today… We’ll focus first on the Sprint tomorrow, which could be interesting given the weather, but we’ll just go out and focus on having the best Sprint we can before turning our attention to Quali.”
Mercedes and Antonelli Surprise, While Red Bull Struggles
Mercedes arrived with an air of uncertainty, their FP1 session weighted down by heavy fuel loads and ambiguous pace. But in Sprint Qualifying, the silver cars came alive, especially rookie Kimi Antonelli, who stunned the paddock by seizing P2 on the grid. His performance, despite limited track experience, drew praise from Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin: “A front row position after just one hour of practice is very impressive.”
George Russell, in P4, echoed the team’s optimism but warned of the unpredictable weather: “Hopefully we can carry that speed into the rest of the weekend. The forecast shows we may have rain on the way.”
Red Bull, meanwhile, faced a rare off day. Max Verstappen was visibly frustrated, wrestling with vibration and grip issues, especially on the soft tyre. “Our middle sector wasn’t great… I struggled to get the car to turn,” he admitted. Yuki Tsunoda’s early crash in practice compounded their woes, leaving him stuck in 18th. Technical Director Pierre Wache summed up the mood: “Sprint format always throws up difficulties… We’re investigating what the issue is overnight.”
Aston Martin and Ferrari in the Midfield Mix, Strategy Calls Loom
Aston Martin took advantage of the conditions, getting both cars into SQ3. Fernando Alonso, a perennial Interlagos favorite, snagged P5 and was upbeat: “This circuit has always been very special to me… Today was a good boost for the team.” Lance Stroll, starting from P7, also felt the energy from the passionate Brazilian fans.
Ferrari, by contrast, ran a conservative strategy in practice, opting for hard tyres and banking on extra sets for later. It didn’t quite pay off in Sprint Qualifying: Charles Leclerc managed P8, but Lewis Hamilton missed out on SQ3 after a late yellow flag triggered by his teammate’s spin. Both drivers lamented a lack of pace but remained hopeful for recovery.
Midfield Tightens: Racing Bulls, Kick Sauber, and Williams Face Challenges
The midfield fight was fierce. Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar impressed with a ninth-place finish, while teammate Liam Lawson was caught out by traffic and timing, missing a second flying lap. “It’s important to take the positives from having a quick car ahead of Qualifying tomorrow,” Lawson reflected.
Kick Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg executed a composed session to land P10, with home favorite Gabriel Bortoleto showing promise but finishing 14th in his first outing at Interlagos. Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley praised both drivers’ maturity and composure under pressure.
Williams and Alpine, meanwhile, struggled to translate promising practice speed into qualifying results. Alex Albon salvaged P12, while Carlos Sainz was left frustrated in 20th after traffic and tyre issues. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly felt he had the pace for the top ten, but was undone by yellow flags. Franco Colapinto, newly confirmed for 2026, finished 16th and remained upbeat thanks to strong fan support.
Haas and Tyre Strategy: Opportunities in the Wet
Haas endured a disappointing session, with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman falling short of expectations. However, Team Principal Ayao Komatsu noted that wet weather could offer a chance for redemption: “Starting P15 and P19 for the Sprint will be difficult, but with wet weather expected, there’s an opportunity.”
Pirelli’s Simone Berra provided insight into tyre choices for the Sprint. The gap between medium and soft compounds was minimal, making both viable options. “Drivers starting the sprint on the C4 should have an initial grip advantage but will have to manage degradation,” Berra explained. The harder trio of compounds this year, combined with cooler asphalt, meant lap times were actually up to seven-tenths faster than in 2024.
Weather Uncertainty and What’s Next
All eyes now turn to Saturday’s Sprint, where forecasted rain and gusty winds could upend the established order. Track evolution from support races may be neutralized by overnight precipitation, and strategic calls—especially on tyre choice—will be crucial.
With Lando Norris on pole, Antonelli in a career-best P2, and Red Bull hunting for answers, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in Brazil. As the championship battle intensifies, every point, every strategic gamble, and every lap could tip the scales.
The Sprint format at Interlagos continues to challenge teams and drivers, rewarding adaptability and bold decision-making as much as raw speed. With unpredictable weather and a tightly packed midfield, the Sao Paulo GP’s outcome remains tantalizingly uncertain, promising a weekend where fortunes can shift in a heartbeat.